Hiiaka swims with her new calf, Waiohakaupo, at Sea Life Park on Oahu. (Photo courtesy of Sea Life Park)

OK, we know Sea Life Park is on Oahu and technically not of great concern to Big Island readers, but, hey, it’s a baby dolphin. The photo is so cute, we couldn’t resist sharing this press release: 

On July 6, 2009, Sea Life Park welcomed the newest addition to its ohana as Hiiaka, an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, gave birth to a healthy baby girl.  

The baby has been named Waiohakaupo, which means joyous life and breath of the waters of Kaupo (name of beach fronting Sea Life Park).                        

Weighing approximately 40 to 45 pounds and measuring 45 inches in length, Waiohakaupo has been spending her time at mom’s side nursing on a regular schedule around-the-clock under the close care and supervision of the Park staff.

“Both mother and calf are doing well,” said Jesus Bravo, general manager of Sea Life Park. “They are happy and everything suits them – their living conditions, the quantity and quality of food, and the love and attention of our staff.”

Sea Life Park celebrated the birth of Waiohakaupo with a special Hawaiian blessing ceremony on Thursday, July 30.  

“We’ve kept the good news under wraps for a few weeks to allow mother and child the privacy they need to stay healthy and strong,” Bravo said. 

Starting Thursday, the park will be offering special guided visits for guests to see the new baby dolphin.                                                                                                                                    

“So far, the bond between Hiiaka and her calf continues to strengthen,” said curator Jeff Pawloski. “Like any new mother, she’s proud of her new baby and we are also proud and honored to have her be a part of our animal family.”             

According to Pawloski, Waiohakaupo was born at 8:26 a.m. after a very short labor. “Hiiaka is an experienced mom and the birth went very smoothly.”            

— Find out more:

www.sealifeparkhawaii.com